Is your son getting ready to take the leap and tie the knot? First of all: congratulations!! Second of all: you’re probably in need of some mother of the groom dress ideas. And you’ve come to the right place! We’ve rounded up the best mother of the groom dresses in every style and size, from elegant black tie gowns to flirty tea length dresses.
Because who says the mother of the groom can’t look stylish on the wedding day? The gowns in our curated list are perfect for celebrating this momentous occasion in style — and showing off just how fabulous you are!
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How Should the Mother of the Groom Dress?
The go-to rule when it comes to dressing for a wedding is to avoid wearing white (but there are even exceptions to this rule!). Aside from that, we believe in embracing your own style!
We love it when mothers of the groom opt for dresses that show off their personalities, whether that be through a dreamy tea length floral gown or something more form-fitting and colorful. As long as you feel great in what you’re wearing, there is no wrong answer.
When in doubt, we suggest looking for classic and elegant dresses that make you feel comfortable and confident. To give you some perspective on styles that are sure to turn heads (in the best kind of way!), we’ve included mother of the groom dress ideas for every style, body type, and wedding aesthetic in this roundup. Whether you’re looking for something more conservative or something more outgoing, we’ve got you covered.
Not sure if a dress is your style? No problem! Show off your personality with one of these sophisticated and unique mother of the groom pant suits instead!
What to Look for in a Mother of the Groom Dress
When looking for the perfect mother of the groom dress ideas, there are a few key things to think about. The first is the season of the wedding.
If you’re searching for stunning mother of the groom dress ideas for fall or winter, it’s best to look for cozy fabrics and silhouettes that are designed for the weather, like long sleeves and floor-sweeping hemlines.
Meanwhile, the best gowns for summer feature thin, breathable fabrics and show a little more skin. For example, tea length mother of the groom dresses are perfect for this time of year (and we’re sharing a few of our faves later in this guide)!
The other factor you’ll need to consider is the dress code of the event. Is it black tie formal? Then a floor-length gown with a bit of sparkle is your perfect match. Or is it beachy casual? Then you’ll love flowy mother of the groom dress ideas in soft hues like blush pink or sky blue. And speaking of the best colors….
What Color Is the Groom’s Mother Supposed to Wear?
While there’s no specific color that the groom’s mother is supposed to wear, we do recommend coordinating your dress with the color scheme of the wedding. Some couples may even prefer if you match their wedding party — so it’s always best to chat with your son and his fiancé before you start shopping!
Either way, you’ll want to ensure that your mother of the groom dress doesn’t clash with anyone or anything during the big day. Think about all those group photos you’ll be taking, and go from there!
If you do have free rein, classic shades like navy blue, blush pink or rose, and shimmering silver are always a good idea. But don’t feel like you have to shy away from bright hues if that’s more your style!
GWS Pro Tip! Typically, the mother of the groom and the mother of the bride wear different (but still coordinating) colors, unless the couple wants them both to match their wedding party. Check in with her before the big day to get a better idea about what colors to look for, and what colors to avoid!
How to Style and Accessorize Your Mother of the Groom Dress
How you accessorize your mother of the groom dress will depend on your personal style, as well as the dress code of the wedding. At the end of the day, your accessories should complete the look, reflect your personality, and boost your confidence!
No matter what style of dress you choose, a little sparkle will always go a long way. Add a statement necklace to complement the neckline of your dress, or opt for a glittering clutch to hold phone and a touch-up lipstick.
When it comes to shoes, comfort is key. You’ll be standing in them all day and dancing in them all night, so look for short block heels, embellished flats, or cute wedges (these are especially great for spring and summer weddings!).
How Soon Should You Order Your Mother of the Groom Dress?
We generally recommend buying your mother of the groom dress at least a few months before the big day, so you have time to get it altered if needed.
However, if you find a dress that doesn’t require any alterations, those rules don’t have to apply! In that case, we’d advise at least a few weeks, so you can give yourself plenty of time to scope out the perfect style and ensure it fits just right.
Remember: when ordering online, you’ll want to factor in time for shipping and possible returns or exchanges. All of this time adds up, which is why we suggest giving yourself plenty of breathing room before the big day!
Where to Buy Mother of the Groom Dresses
There are so many incredible places to buy mother of the groom dresses, but we’ve compiled our favorite gowns from shops we know knock it out of the park. Here are our top 3 favorites!
- Anthropologie: Our favorite shop for all things wedding related, Anthropologie is a great option if you’re looking for elevated and fashion-forward mother of the groom dress ideas. They have everything from elegant satin gowns for a black tie affair to cute dresses with a pop of color for a summer celebration. And don’t forget to check out their stunning accessories collection, too!
- Nordstrom: Department stores are always reliable when it comes to gorgeous evening gowns, and Nordstrom has some of the best (with Bloomingdale’s being a close second!). Here you can find the widest variety of gorgeous mother of the groom dress ideas, including options from amazing designers like Mac Duggal!
- Adrianna Papell: For the fashionable mamas, Adrianna Papell has the best elegant and on-trend dresses for the mother of the groom. You can rely on them to deliver high-quality gowns for all sizes, dress codes, and seasons. Plus, Adrianna Papell makes it easy to sort by color and occasion, so you can find exactly what you’re looking for!
But don’t worry, we’ve curated a list of all the best mother of the groom dress ideas in this article, so you don’t have to go down the rabbit hole yourself! Keep on scrolling to see our must-haves in every category.
Best Plus Size Mother of the Groom Dresses and Ideas
We love it when plus size dresses embrace epic style and ultimate comfort (could there be a better combination?!). Below, we’ve rounded up the best plus size mother of the groom dress ideas that flatter your curves, make you feel your most confident, and give you a truly unforgettable look.
But a quick tip before we get started: when looking for the best plus size mother of the groom dress ideas, you’ll want to keep an eye out for a-line silhouettes, wrap-style designs, and breathable fabrics. These are the styles that are universally flattering and look amazing both in photos and in real life!
Scroll on to see all of our favorite mother of the groom dress ideas in sizes 14 – 26 (or XL – 3X, depending on the retailer)!
1: Sparkly Metallic Navy Plus Size Mother of the Groom Dress
Add a dose of sparkle to your son’s big day with this stunning plus size mother of the groom dress! We love the combo of the intricate beaded bodice with the mesmerizing midnight navy hue. Such an eye-catching way to showcase your dazzling personality!
Plus, the mermaid silhouette of this glittering dress cinches in your waist and gives you a beautiful hourglass figure. Combine that with the timeless and unique metallic glimmer, and you have yourself a winner!
2: Navy One-Shoulder Plus Size Mother of the Groom Dress
Calling all fashionable mamas! This plus size mother of the groom dress is the perfect blend of sophisticated style and playful trends. We’re obsessed with the elongating one-shoulder neckline, and that asymmetrical ruffle hem is so fun!
Style this sleek navy gown with glamorous heels for a chic city celebration, or pair it with a pashmina wrap for an outdoor spring wedding.
3: Champagne Floral Tea Length Plus Size Mother of the Groom Dress
How pretty are those champagne blossoms? The lacy overlay of this plus size mother of the groom dress features such an elegant bouquet of gold-dusted florals, and we totally love it! Despite being a more neutral, champagne color, this tea length dress feels playful, fashion-forward, and full of life.
We love the way tea length mother of the groom dresses show off some leg, too!
4: Gold Sequin Plus Size Mother of the Groom Dress
Embrace ALL the glitz and glam with this other-worldly floor length stunner! As the mother of the groom, you should absolutely sparkle on the wedding day too, and we can’t think of a more stylish way to do that than with this glittering gold plus size dress.
Featuring head-to-toe sequins and an ultra flattering silhouette, it’s the kind of gown you’ll never want to take off. Perfect for a New Year’s Eve wedding or a glamorous black tie affair!
P.S. This mother of the groom dress also comes in navy blue if you’re looking for something a little more subtle (but just as sparkly).
5: Navy Plus Size Mother of the Groom Dress + Sequin Capelet
If you’ve been searching for plus size mother of the groom dress ideas that blend glam and upscale elegance, you’ve met your match. The sheer, sequin-embellished overlay amps up the energy of this navy gown, while the flowy navy design brings undeniable class.
6: Elegant Sage Green Velvet Plus Size Mother of the Groom Dress
There’s something about sage green mother of the groom dress ideas that are just the dreamiest. And with this plus size gown, the ethereal, earthy color looks even more stunning paired with luxe velvet and an elegant long sleeve silhouette. It’s an opulent look for the classiest mother of the groom!
Complement the sexy plunging neckline by styling this gorgeous gown with a dainty drop necklace.
7: Embellished Navy Tea Length Plus Size Mother of the Groom Dress
This plus size mother of the groom dress is the perfect blend of sparkle and classic, clean design. The shape of the knee-length silhouette is form-fitting and super flattering — especially with the stylish peplum detail around the waist.
But the real star of the show has to be the dazzling sequin overlay. With a whimsical, botanical design and tons of sparkle, this navy gown brings the excitement for a grand entrance!
8: Romantic Rose Plus Size Mother of the Groom Dress
We’re head over heels for this plus size mother of the groom dress! It has such a romantic flair, from the subtle rosy pattern to the sheer flutter sleeves. And with a flattering a-line silhouette, it will highlight your curves in ALL the right places!
Style this rose gold dress with a long golden necklace and statement earrings to give it a dreamy boho feel — perfect for a spring garden ceremony or an outdoor summer wedding!
Best Mother of the Groom Dresses for Summer
Clear blue skies. Blossoming flowers in every direction. Warm evenings spent dancing under twinkle lights. There’s a reason summer is one of the most popular seasons for weddings. And that’s why it’s so essential to find the perfect mother of the groom dresses for summer that will keep you comfortable and stylish for the big day!
To help, we’ve curated gorgeous mother of the groom dress ideas that reflect the colors of the season and will keep you cool, no matter how high the temperatures rise. Expect to see lightweight fabrics like linen, cotton, and tulle, as well as flowy silhouettes and shorter hemlines.
Let’s get into our favorite summer-ready mother of the groom dress ideas!
9: Blush Pink Mother of the Groom Dress for Summer
Looking for mother of the groom dress ideas for summer that give you a little extra coverage (without causing you to overheat in the sun)? This blush pink dress has the best of both worlds!
While this knee-length dress looks gorgeous on its own, we especially love it paired with the matching sheer jacket. It’ll help you feel a little more conservative, but still stylish, summery, and SO stunning. Complete the look with a pair of glittery heels to bring out the embellishments along the neckline!
10: Something Blue Lace Mother of the Groom Dress for Summer
While the “something blue” traditional doesn’t typically apply to the mother of the groom, it still makes a gorgeous color for a warm weather wedding!
The dusty blue appliqués make this tea length sheath dress pop, especially when contrasted with the delicate ivory lace fabric. It’s intricate and romantic — and one of the most timeless mother of the groom dress ideas for a destination wedding, garden venue, or semi-formal dress code!
Is your son planning a semi-formal wedding? Make sure you’re matching the dress code with the help of our semi-formal wedding attire guide! We’ll help you decipher how formal is too formal before the big day.
11: Glimmering Gold + Pink Gown for Summer
On the other hand, if the dress code is formal, then glamorous mother of the groom dress ideas for summer are the way to go! This one features the perfect summery blush hue, but with all-over metallic gold florals to give it that elevated edge.
We especially love the way this floor-sweeping gown reflects the light. With such a gorgeous glimmer, it will look just as stunning in all those wedding photos as it will in real life!
12: Garden-Ready Linen Summer Dress
Perfect for a more casual summer wedding, this green mother of the groom dress is the ultimate closet staple. You can easily dress it up for a romantic garden wedding with a pair of statement earrings, then tone it down for Sunday morning brunch with a pair of strappy sandals!
Plus, linen has such a breathable, lightweight quality that’s perfect for spring and summer weddings. With this flowy tea length linen dress, you’ll look AND feel gorgeous for the entire day!
GWS Pro Tip! The best mother of the groom dresses are the ones that you can actually rewear after the last dance. That’s why we recommend looking for styles that reflect your typical style and will look right at home in your summer wardrobe!
13: Lilac Lace Mother of the Groom Dress for Summer
Lilac, lavender, violet — whatever flower-inspired shade of purple you see in this mother of the groom dress, it’s definitely on-theme for a blossoming summer wedding!
With head-to-toe floral lace, sheer cap sleeves, and a flattering fit-and-flare silhouette, this gown is the definition of summer sophistication.
But don’t just take our word for it. Dozens of five-star reviews from other mothers of the groom prove that this lacy lilac gown is the perfect choice for a summer wedding!
14: Elegant Draped Satin Mother of the Groom Dress for Summer
This summery mother of the groom dress is ideal for a modern formal look. We really love the clean lines and upscale silhouette it sports…and the draped one-shoulder design adds the perfect touch of drama.
Style this silky summer gown with silver or white accessories, like these ivory embellished heels and these crystal drop earrings, to bring out the lightness in the sky blue hue.
15: Apricot Orange Floral Summer Gown
We love bold, colorful mother of the groom dress ideas for a warm weather wedding, and this apricot floral beauty totally delivers! Who says the mother of the groom can’t wear vibrant colors?!
We can already picture this stylish dress for a formal spring soirée or a summer garden celebration. The balloon sleeves, ruched waist, and cute leg slit provide comfort and style. And those sparkling floral details are the perfect ode to the blooms of the season!
16: Blossoming Blush Mother of the Groom Dress for Summer
Floral-embroidered mother of the groom dress ideas are perfection for summer. This one is tea length, which will keep you cool for those warm summer afternoons. And the sweet blush color and gold-trimmed flowers beautifully match the season!
While this “antique pink” shade stuns for a romantic summer wedding, we also love this floaty tulle dress in blue for something a little bolder.
Best Mother of the Groom Dresses for Fall
Whether you’re opting for a layered look or searching for a form-flattering design, fall is the ultimate season to try out different dress styles. The days are getting cooler, which means you have endless mother of the groom dress ideas to choose from!
We especially love mother of the groom dress ideas for fall that play with dark autumnal colors, jewel tones, and glamorous embellishments. It’s also best to be prepared for unpredictable fall weather, so long sleeves, longer hemlines, and stylish wraps are a must!
Keep scrolling for all of our favorite mother of the groom dress ideas for a romantic fall celebration.
17: Sophisticated Navy Mother of the Groom Dress for Fall
The sheer elegance and beauty of navy blue mother of the groom dresses is seriously unmatched. We especially love the whimsical vibe of this gown’s fluttery sleeves, which wrap around to create a stunning draped detail in the back (without restricting your movement).
And made with stretchy mesh that’s gathered to flatter your figure, this navy dress will have you feeling photo AND dance floor ready! Plus, it comes in over 25 stunning colors and can be made to order for your custom measurements. The dream!
GWS Pro Tip! When buying your mother of the groom dress online, look for options to order a swatch of fabric before you take the plunge, as this will give you a better idea of the color and feel of the dress — and it can help you coordinate with your family beforehand!
18: Ethereal Lace + Satin Fall Gown
How classic are lace + satin mother of the groom dress ideas for fall?
Featuring a flattering a-line silhouette and classy cap sleeves, this elegant gown feels absolutely timeless. It’s made with lustrous satin to give you gorgeous movement with every step, and the floral lace on the bodice is flecked with crystals for a dose of sparkle.
We also love this neutral cocoa color for a unique fall look!
19: Royal Purple Long Mother of the Groom Dress for Fall
Is this royal purple gown swoon-worthy or what?! The unique billowy sleeves and gathered empire waist are perfect for the mama looking to make a fashion-forward statement with her dress. It’s modern, distinct, and just a little bit bold. Sheer elegance!
Jewel tones are also totally stunning for a glamorous fall wedding. While emerald green and ruby red are classic options, we think this deep amethyst purple makes for an unexpected and super stylish mother of the groom dress idea!
20: Beaded Burgundy Long Sleeve Dress for Fall
You’ll definitely earn the “best-dressed mom” award with this beaded burgundy beauty! It’s one of our favorite mother of the groom dress ideas for black tie fall weddings, especially with that flattering fitted bodice.
It’ll stand out with shimmering sequins and glimmering embellishments — while also being practical for the colder temperatures.
The deep maroon hue is also MADE for romantic fall celebrations. But it’s not the only option! Also check out the other swoon-worthy colors for this glamorous dress, like this on-trend sage green or this glimmering gold.
21: Beaded Boat Neck Navy Fall Gown
Our favorite mother of the groom dress ideas for fall are the ones that shimmer and shine at every turn. And this dress does exactly that.
Navy blue is a fool-proof fall color — it’s the epitome of elegance and sophistication — and we love the addition of the playful floral embellishments on this chic fitted gown. They’re designed to look like flower petals cascading down the fabric! So romantic, especially when paired with a dreamy + flattering off-the-shoulder neckline.
Style this gorgeous navy fall dress with a stylish faux fur wrap for extra warmth (and glamour) on those chilly fall days.
22: Long Olive Green Mother of the Groom Dress for Fall
This olive green mother of the groom dress is ideal for the fall season. The floor-sweeping length and long sleeves are magic for the colder weather, and the earthy hue oozes enchanting autumn vibes.
And with the subtle sparkle detail at the shoulder, this chic fall gown is perfect for a formal celebration!
We’d style this flattering olive dress with some statement earrings or a glittery hair pin to complement that embellished shoulder detail. Because you can never have enough sparkle!
Best Tea Length Mother of the Groom Dresses and Ideas
We can’t help but obsess over the fun and playful nature of tea length mother of the groom dresses! They have such a unique personality, while still feeling super sophisticated (and super breathable).
Plus, tea length dresses will never restrict your movement — perfect for any mamas who can’t wait to break it down on the dance floor! They also come in SO many styles, from laid-back summery designs to elegant black tie silhouettes that stun in the fall…and we’ve listed the best of the best down below!
And one last bonus before we get into it: tea length mother of the groom dresses are the perfect choice if you want to show off your gorgeous heels. We’ve also included a few shoe pairing options to help you find the perfect match!
23: Black + Gold Lace Tea Length Mother of the Groom Dress
Talk about a little black dress you’ll want to wear well after the big day! The romantic flower pattern on this tea length mother of the groom dress is seriously to die for. It blends timeless black lace with off-the-moment rose gold florals, and we couldn’t be more in love!
When it comes to great mother of the groom dress ideas, tea length gowns are a no brainer. And the dark color palette and three quarter-length sleeves of this floral gown also make it perfect for colder celebrations. There’s never a bad time to rock this romantic look!
24: Embellished Flutter Sleeve Vintage-Inspired Tea Length Dress
There’s no denying that floral embellished mother of the groom dress ideas are a hot trend right now (as are sheer flutter sleeves!). So it goes without saying that this dusty rose tea length dress is a total win.
With all-over sequins and beaded embellishments, this elegant sheath dress has a dazzling, vintage-inspired feel. Pair it with these rose gold heels, and bring on the party!
Because you’re not like regular moms. You’re a cool mom.
25: Wine Red Tea Length Mother of the Groom Dress
Who can deny the beauty of this classic cinched waist silhouette paired with an intricate floral lace pattern?! It’s elegant, elevated, and endlessly flattering!
We also love the deep wine red hue of this tea length dress. Perfect for a winter or fall wedding — or a vineyard venue paired with a glass of merlot!
P.S. This tea length mother of the groom dress is part of a “try before you buy” program. You can choose up to three different dresses (or colors) to try on in the comfort of your home for $10 each. Just return the ones you don’t like, and purchase the one you do!
26: Whimsical Tea Length Floral Dress
The whimsy of it all! Perfect for a romantic and whimsical warm weather wedding, this tea length mother of the groom dress features the prettiest fluttery floral motif. Etched in gold on sheer fabric, the design looks absolutely heavenly.
We’re especially smitten with the attached capelet, which gives you extra coverage on your arms and adds a unique design element to help you stand out from the crowd.
Styled with shimmering gold heels, this elegant tea length gown is a dream come true!
Best Long Mother of the Groom Dresses and Ideas
There’s no denying the elegance of long mother of the groom dresses. They exude confidence, with their flowing skirts sweeping across the room. Perfect for formal weddings and black tie dress codes!
Longer hemlines also have a way of showing off your figure in the most flattering of ways. They elongate your body and gives you a positively regal look. Swoon!
While we’ve already included tons of dreamy long mother of the groom dress ideas on this list, we wanted to highlight a few more of our faves, since they’re such an iconic and timeless style. Get ready to fall in love!
27: Long Floral Navy Mother of the Groom Dress
Navy blue has a royal way about it, especially with a long mother of the groom dress like this one. And with sequin floral details adorning the ankle-length fabric, it’s definitely fit for the queen of the household!
You’ll catch the light wherever you go…perfect for that first mother and son dance.
As a bonus, the navy color and design of this dress are super versatile, so it’ll stun no matter the season or venue!
28: Old Hollywood Glam Long Mother of the Groom Dress
Love a simple silhouette, but don’t want to sacrifice the glitz and glam? This long mother of the groom dress is the perfect match!
The gown itself has a classic, universally flattering shape, but the dazzling silver lace overlay takes the look to the next level.
With a slight Old Hollywood flair, this glamorous gown would shine with a glitzy pair of heels and a sleek silver clutch. Roll out the red carpet!
29: Navy Ruffle Long Metallic Gown
Talk about long mother of the groom dress ideas with ALL the personality! The ruffles on this statement tiered gown are basically made for the dance floor. There’s no denying it. Cue the “Cha Cha Slide!”
Plus, the navy blue fabric on this gown has a subtle metallic sheen, so you’ll be dazzling with every movement. If you’re searching for a floor-sweeping and flattering look that showcases your fabulous sartorial style, it doesn’t get better than this!
30: Black Sequin Long Ball Gown
We love black mother of the groom dress ideas. They’re sophisticated, elegant, and perfect for a formal black tie dress code. And this long gown is the one we’re dreaming of!
The dazzling sequins and embroidered florals bring energy to the dark hue of this black ball gown, making for a lovely contrast. Pure magic, right?!
We’re also big fans of the floaty tulle skirt — after all, when else do you get the chance to wear a dress that looks like it came straight out of a fairy tale?!
Hey Mama! Ready To Look Amazing on The Big Day?
Don’t worry, we’ve got all your bases covered!
If you’re not totally sold on these mother of the groom dress ideas, a killer pant suit may be more your style. Find your perfect fit with our definitive guide on the best pant suits for the mother of the groom or bride!
And no matter which style you go with, the right accessories are essential to complete the look. Add a personal touch with one of these gorgeous birthstone rings and birthstone necklaces, or have some fun with a pair of trendy tassel earrings!
The ultimate finishing touch for the big day? A signature scent. Find yours with our list of the best perfumes for women, as ranked by our GWS audience!
How are you planning to style your mother of the groom look? Have any questions for us? Let us know in the comments below!
